Quote:The family of a woman who died of strangulation during an overnight visit with her husband at a California prison is questioning why a man convicted of murdering four people was allowed to have family visits.

Stephanie Diane Dowells, 62, who also went by the name Stephanie Brinson, was killed in November, making her the second person in a year to die at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione during a family visit, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The other victim, Tania Thomas, 47, was also strangled during a family visit, Amador County District Attorney Todd Riebe said in an interview Monday. The man she was visiting has been charged with murder in connection with her killing, Riebe said.

Quote:The visits are intended to support positive family connections and successful rehabilitation, the website says. Death row inmates and people convicted of sex offenses are excluded, as is anyone under disciplinary restrictions, the website says.

“The family visits are a privilege, and incarcerated persons must apply and meet strict eligibility criteria to be approved,” a department spokesperson said. “Only those who demonstrate sustained good behavior and meet specific program requirements are considered.”